Baby product checklist: The new baby essentials you actually need

Expecting a baby is incredibly exciting, but there are lots of things to organise too. For someone so tiny, they’ll make huge waves in your life!

From pushchairs to moses baskets, from baby monitors to clothing, if you’re bewildered by all the baby paraphernalia out there, relax… you don’t need it all. There are, however, some key items you’ll want to stock up on and consider buying.

Pram

A pram, buggy or pushchair is likely to be one of your most pricey buys and there are lots of factors to consider before buying. A three-in-one is a popular choice, as it includes a carrycot and convertible two-in-one pram-pushchair that will see your baby right through to toddler years.

Mastering the art of opening and closing your pushchair (or attaching the carrycot or car seat to the chassis) is a vital skill – so go in person to a store and try out a number of models to find out which suits you best. And don’t forget the rain cover – we’re in the UK, after all.

Car seat

Some travel systems also include an infant car seat, but you’ll definitely need one straight away if you’re planning to bring your baby home from hospital in a car or taxi. Whichever you choose, it must be suitable for your child’s weight (rather than age), be rear-facing (which offers better protection in a collision) and must meet safety standards ECE R44.03.

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Cot

A cot should last at least two years, and may even have the option to convert to a toddler bed. Make sure the mattress fits well, and settle your baby with its feet at the foot of the cot, so she or he can’t wriggle under the blankets.

Cots come in many shapes, sizes and designs. Make sure you measure the space where you plan of keeping your cot correctly before making your purchase. Some mums prefer having a cot in their bedrooms or opt for a side cot which attaches or can sit directly next to the bed for easy feeding during the night.

Baby mattress and bedding

There are some rules to follow when it comes to buying a mattress for your little one. It needs to be the right size and fit into your chosen cot or crib well with no more than a 4cm gap between the mattress and crib. It needs to be at least 10cm thick too and needs to be firm so it doesn’t sag or mould to your baby’s shape.

All mattresses should conform to the BSS (British Safety Standards) and be marked somewhere with this number: BS 1877-10:1997. In terms of bedding, cotton sheets are best to start with and blankets are good for keeping your little one warm.

Baby monitor

It’s reassuring to know that wherever you are in the house, you’ll catch the first squeak once sleep time is over. Monitors are a great way to make sure you can keep an eye on your baby without having to stay in the same rooms as them. Monitors can range from battery operated ones that just relay sound to video monitors and cameras that live stream from the room. Costs vary but it’s important to get one most appropriate to you and your needs.

Moses basket

A Moses basket is not always essential, especially if you do not have the space but some parents prefer them to a cot for the first few months as you can easily transport them around the house or place them close to your bed. Moses baskets should be placed on a flat surface on the floor or you can buy a stand to go with it if you wish to place it at eye level by the bed.

Carrier or sling

Whether a wrap-around or clip-style, a sling is one of the most reliable ways to keep your baby happy, while leaving your hands free.

A carrier or a sling will make sure your baby is warm and cosy pressed against your chest. It’s also a great way for your partner to wear too so they can bond with your little one.

There are a few different types of carriers or slings you can choose from. Carriers are more sturdy and have what we’d describe as a front ‘back pack’ style with harness that supports the baby and your back. A sling, a strong piece of material with fastenings or tie, is more flexible and can be wrapped however feels comfortable for you.

Breast pump

If you’re breastfeeding, supportive nursing bras and good quality breast pads are essential.

A breast pump may be a little pricey, but its well worth the money if you want to give your breast a rest or store milk ready for days out or night time feeds. It’s an essential item if you are planning to have your partner help with feeds – especially during the night as you can pump in advance so bottles are ready for feeding.

Feeding bottles and steriliser

For bottle-feeding, you’ll need bottles and teats, infant formula milk and a steriliser (steam, cold water or microwave) and a bottle brush to make sure your baby’s bottles are clean and safe to use.

It’s very important to keep all the bottles you use sterilised so your baby doesn’t get an upset stomach or any unwanted bacteria in their system. There are lots of different designs to choose from but all tend to do the job efficiently.

Changing bag

So you thought your gym bag was complicated? Just wait until you start packing a bag with everything you’ll need to go out with your baby! The best bags are designed to make it easy to access all the essentials, and will usually incorporate a changing mat.

You’ll never love a bag so much! Make sure you get a good sized changing bag – you may think small is better, but sometimes getting a bag a little bigger than you think will help you fit in all the essentials – plus you can put your stuff in it too like car keys, your purse etc.

Newborn nappies

Don’t buy too many nappies in newborn sizes unless you know you’re expecting a very small baby – it’s incredible how quickly they grow and you don’t want to be left with bulky stock you can’t use.

Invest in a changing station or create an area that’s the right height for changing your baby and won’t put strain on your back – and make sure you have everything to hand. Nappy sacks are useful for disposables, too.

Newborn clothes

One of the loveliest things to shop for is baby clothes. You’ll probably be given lots of cute sets, but make sure you invest in a collection of basic popper-fastening bodysuits and babygrows – it’s amazing how often your baby will need a fresh change.

Vest tops are a great buy too – especially in the colder months when your little one will need plenty of layers. A padded coat, knitted hat and mits will come in handy during the winter too. You really don’t need to overdo it with clothes – you can always pop out and buy more or order online.

Nursing pillow

It’s important for you and your baby to feel comfortable when you’re feeding and a nursing pillow can do just that. There are so many varieties to suit you, from full body support pillows to V shape support pillows – all are safe and easy to use, so its up to you which style and how much you’d like to spend.

Most nursing pillows have a 100% cotton cover and are machine washable which is great if your little one is a messy feeder or they have any accidents whilst lying on it.

Baby bath

You can wash your baby in the bath in shallow water but it’ll be a while until your little one can sit up on their own. A baby bath is a great option for making sure you have plenty of control over your baby whilst washing.

A baby bath is also a good option if you don’t have a bath in your house or flat as it is often free standing. They’re also easy to transport, so ideal for weekends away.

Changing mat or changing table

Changing tables do look very efficient but they’re not necessary if you don’t have the space. A changing mat is much cheaper and you can place it on the floor or a flat, raised surface to protect your back. Buy a changing mat with raised sides so your baby won’t wiggle away.

If you’d prefer a changing table, however, look for a sturdy table that fits a sided changing mat securely and has plenty of space for the essentials; nappies, wipes, baby cream etc. Make sure its at a good height too so you don’t have to bend down too far or strain your back.

Muslin cloths

No one understands the joy of muslin cloths as much as mums! Having a baby is a messy time and having a pile of them around the house is a great way to quickly mop up stains, spills and more. The cheap cloths are available in bulk and you can hand or machine wash them easily.

Baby essentials recommended by real mums

We all want to buy the right things for our new baby but make sure you avoid the things you really don’t need. So we asked 6 new mums to tell us about 5 products they’ve loved and 5 they wish they hadn’t shelled out for during the first 3 months with their new baby.

4. Angelcare nappy bin. This bin is always on offer on Amazon and you can get it for as little as £5. Each nappy is locked away inside the sealed nappy sack. No more smells.

5. SkipHop change bag. Loads of pockets, easy to get the change mat out with one hand, clips to the pram, very light.

Baby products that didn’t work for you

1. KariMe baby sling. If you have a squirmy, active baby with a large head then don’t bother with this sling! My baby was very uncomfortable and we only managed a few minutes. Also my smaller body shape means it easily comes loose.

2. Johnsons baby bath. I found this gave him very dry skin.

3. Lamaze play mat. I wish I’d got a padded material one as while it’s bright it’s very hard and Huxley doesn’t really relax on it.

4. Babygros that do up at the back/have loads of poppers. Who can flip a baby in the night? Why spend hours trying to popper up a baby when you can buy babygrows with a zip?! I love the ones in Gap.

5. Merino swaddle wrap. It cost almost £40 and a simple blanket does just as good a job.

Steph, 26, mum to Sophie, 13 weeks

Baby products you love

1. Tesco baby vests (available in-store). Cheap, easy to get baby in and out of, and not a big deal if they get ruined. Also long-sleeved versions are great to put under T-shirts so you can get the wear out of them even in cooler weather.

2. Cot top changer. We didn’t have a chest of drawers we could put a changing mat on and this has been worth every penny in saving our backs!

3. Swaddle-Me blanket. Only a tenner and a life saver in the early days when she smacked herself in the face every 10 seconds. Also very easy to use.

4. Tommee Tippee steriliser. They do a hot and cold steriliser in their basics range which is loads cheaper than their Closer to Nature one, but fits the same bottles.

5. Supermarket own-brand nappies. Do the job just as well as Pampers and much cheaper. I’ve tried Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons and they’re all fine.

Baby products that didn’t work for you

1. Baby baths with no support. I found mine pointless as you have to hold them the whole time. A moulded baby bath with support or a chair for the main bath is a much better bet.

2. Babygros with no feet. Why no feet?!

3. Tommee Tippee breast pump. My milk went up the air tube, leaked everywhere and turned mouldy. The Medela breast pump was miles better – very quick, easy to assemble and wash.

4. Sun umbrellas. They’re meant to clip onto the side of the pram, except they don’t; they fall off all the time!

5. Breastfeeding tops with hidden openings. It’s much easier and cheaper to buy normal baggy tops that just lift up.

Alex, 33, mum to Thomas, 20 weeks

Baby products you love

1. Baby Bjorn carrier. Great for country walks and around the house when baby is being needy, good for dads too.

2. Sleeping bags. Cambridge Baby does a Merino one for babies smaller than 8lbs that don’t like being swaddled.